Many of the songs are done better by this incarnation of the Dead than the Grateful Dead ever did before.

NICE

Great recording but tracks d3t04 (cumberland) and d3t07 (ripple) fail the checksum and when played are blank at the end for 20 seconds and 2 minutes 22 seconds respectively.

This was the only dead show that i had a chance to see this round. The show was awsome and so was the lot scene. When the dead get together there is so much magic that happens, it is unexplainable. The dude that said bobby and Micky were not that impressive can lick em and have a grateful day. This show rock!!! Happy Birthday Billy

my very first time seeing "The Dead" and I had a blast. This recording is great, we're lucky to have it (maybe even better sounding than my shitty nosebleed seats).
Great show all in all, but second set is where it really turned on. The acoustic songs were a treat, and everything that followed was pretty much spot on. King Solomon's Marbles was THE FIRE OF THE NIGHT. Phil and Bill are the shit, always have been, always will be; and Jeff Chimenti is a genius and an absolutely amazing musician, and he is probably more on top of his game than anybody else in that band (and I know what kind of a claim that is, phil lesh is my hero of heroes so he normally gets the highest credit in my book).
Now time for a little constructive criticism. I noticed a hell of a lot of flubs, and I'm not even an obsessive dead-head perfectionist, I didn't even know all of the songs they played and I was still able to catch a bunch of mistakes. Also, as somebody said in an earlier review, Warren is definitely not the fit that they need, he's great, and he fucking nailed the Marbles and china doll, but he doesn't have everything that the Dead needs. Too bad kimock has such bad blood with phil, and too bad herring is tied up with wsp and his own band, because either of those guys would put warren to shame when it comes to GD music. Bobby is great, but he is still one of the weaker links. Mickey is great, but he didn't really impress me very much at all.
This is not a bad review, I'm just stating what it is/was. the scene/family is undying, but the music is at the center of it all, and it was 3/5 stars musically in my book. It was a great show, but there is no way it was deserving of 5 stars. As for the band itself, they don't have the solidity/consistency that 5-star band should have, however, i have yet to listen to the west coast shows, and I have a feeling they might change my mind just a little bit.
we're lucky to have even gotten the chance to see these guys again, I hope everybody had as good of a time as I did!

Great work Recording the Show! Boy things sure have come a long way since back in the day.
Moving on>>>>. How is it some of you could possibly say this show is WEAK? One of the Best shows on tour so far and the Sound quality is equal to Board quality.
I have been seeing the Dead play since 87 Tour and I saw them in Greensboro and I will say that is one of the best show I have ever seen. The DEAD is on Fire and for guys at almost 70 years old I would say you all should be impressed and appreciate the fact that you even have the opportunity to see the Boys so stop being so negative....that is unless you can do better your selves?

Neat set list,Thank you Archive and Tapers.4 Bolts////

Yep, a great show, takes you back to 1970, well and 1984. But few of us had the chance to see 1970 live. So it's a bummer Jerry's dead, sorry the classic Greek Hero has fallen. But life and change happen. The show nails 1970, rockin Casey Jones,great jam in loser and Easy Wind, yep Pig's gone too, still rocked. Matched with 1984. Slow goin Stranger, but man, Crazy Fingers Sailor beautiful, and the Saint rocked!
WHISHKEY IN A JAR!!!! the band didn't even remember it until Jerry remembered and play it for them at rehersal in 1994. Lost art saved for our enjoyment.
Got the Crazy, add Stronger than Dirt! Nice groove. So good.
Back to 1970. If you don't think the Cumberland fits in the set check out 10-31-70, Viola > Cumberland, UJB. nice set closer.
Oh ya, The Weight, China Doll, Ramble On Rose and Ripple. Not a bad bunch of songs, no Rolling Stones, not the Warren isn't rippin up Gimmie Shelter.
Great energy, grateful music, great friends, great fun.

Of course it's not the "Grateful" and for anyone to compare them is not fair. It was great to see Phil and Bobby and Billy and Mickey share a stage after so long. They played real well, King Solomon's was very tight and as for the jams go they were right up there. The energy at the Pepsi Center was awesome it was a sense of everybody being happy to see one another. As for the people bad mouthing the show, they can go shove it because that was phenomenal and we should all be happy we were able to witness it or atleast hear it.

the dead will never be the same regardless who fills in for jerry,i'am grateful to see the guys play,warren and jimmy are awesome guitar players,whoever fills the roll at least we still can enjoy memories of the past with the present.

I went to a lot of the eastcoast shows, and I've otherwise been treated by the tapers to the rest. This one really shines for me, from start to finish. Great energy and playing throughout! I even liked the Stronger Than Dirt (or whatever they call it)! This show is up there with Greensboro, 2nd night Worcester, Wilkes-Barre, MSG, or any of the Spectrum and Rosemont shows.
But then again, Grateful/Dead is a different kind of music isn't it? It's not to be judged like Van Halen. It doesn't come from a can. It comes from us, too.

That's Chuck Miller not Charlie..not the same person.
anyway the show was not that great, honestly. sure we all can say the show was good for a few moments, like the drums...but that doesn't make the whole show epic. Sure it was great to see them on stage again, but let's not get carried away here. I believe this star system is for the show, so that's what I give it. The crowd sure was amped and was going apeshit during parts where there was no reason. Great recording for The Can Chuck. Gone are the days...

The show was a blast, it felt good. Friends I haven't seen in years. Mickey with the Sailor hat, Billy's Birthday.... Whew...
Once again, amazing recording. Mr. Miller, Kudos to you!
Thanks
Jake

Did anyone else notice that Cumberland starts with the second verse. Is this a continuation from another night or a screw up?
Oh and really fun show. Warren really seem to make more of an effort to have a Jerry sound rather then an Allman Brothers sound. Thanks boys.

Lots of nay-saying on this show. I would be happy just to see the Dead. I thought this show was pretty good and the recording was great for the Pepsi Center. That place has a wicked echo especially up high.
Colorado is the new California

I do want to say I am a big Jimmy Herring fan. He should be back with the band. I still don't find Warren that great of fit. But I have grown to like him just a bit. But Jimmy Kicks but and is such a great guitgar player. They need him on the next tour!!!!! I am totally into him.. I seen him play with the dead and with ratdog. I am also a big Mark Karan fan he is great also. He would fit.

This recording for the Pepsi Center is excellent. I have seen a few shows there where the sound has been horrendous, almost like they never thought they would be holding concerts in this sports arena, or didn't care about the sound. Reminds me of the bad rap that the Arco Arena in Sacremento got as the Echo Arena...Anyway, I live in Colorado Springs and really was torn about going to this show. I attended 50+ shows between 1989-1995 and have fond memories of the boys. I have also seen a few of the after-Jerry incarnations, including Phil at the Greek in '99 as well as Red Rocks a few years. I didn't wind up going because the shows I have listened to so far on this tour have been uninspiring. I think what is lacking is Warren, as good as he is, doesn't seem to mesh with the feel of the Dead, past or present. He is a great guitarist, just not the feeling, atmospheric type that is needed for these songs and shows. When I saw the shows at Red Rocks a few years back, I was more impressed with Jimmy Herring than Warren because it seems like he "got it". Warren seems to be more suited to the traditional first set fare, rather than the experimental, spacey stuff. With the Mule and the Allmans, Warren shines, but here seems pedestrian and frankly, lost. It isn't for lack of trying, but the Dead "sound" is more intuitive than learned. Thanks for the recording and the snapshot in time....hopefully things will get better and tighter as the tour progresses but I am not holding my breath....

Yo Ranciderny your review makes no sense. First you say it was "weak" then you go on to say parts were "epic to say the least" WTF??? I thought it was a great show and listening here have no doubt that The Dead sound as good as they ever did. After attending this show I hope they keep touring. I might even buy tickets from Ticketmaster next time.

Weak show, Glad I didn't pay and got miracled in. I feel bad for those who dished out big $ for the show...'Rip'ple is correct. Phil was right! WE are the ones that make this happen, because the band sure didn't in Denver...Cumberland as a 2nd set whammy tune? Give me a break. Where was that Throwing Stones bob was trying to go into? They are The Dead, but they need to play like they are a band, because they are not a band, just some guys who used to be a band together, now trying to cash in when the 'money's all spent'
I love the Grateful Dead, just not "The Dead" The Melvin/JGB shows before the dead were WAYYY HOTTER shows, I actually got some great solo's that uplifted me, thanks Stu and Melvin! Warren WHO??? Phil sang great, so did Bobby. BUT let's get real here folks, if you think that show was great you are a dumbass! I fell asleep during the 2nd set before drums. I know a good show when I go to one, this wasn't one. Too many folks who think the dead can do no wrong! I laugh at you! Keep the vibe alive, but the music was piss poor! Stay honest and tell the truth. peace

Just be happy they are still playing the Music!

Hello,
Save 5 stars for 5 star shows. Help make a show 5 stars by adding to the energy not bothering people... "so what kind of work do you do?" during space when my eyes are closed.
Good show. Nothing that will stay with me for a lifetime other then my first Lost Sailor.
I had very good seats thanks to my friends!!!
Way to much talking / cell phones etc. I think if everyone was trying to break on through to the other side like I was the show would have been much better.
The recording is very good. And thank you for taking the time to make it and post it so fast.
The "fire alarm" during DEB was funny. The techs were running around on stage trying to find it. Billy gave the band the let's stop signal and Bob gave the "no way lets keep on going signal back" That is when the crowed yelled during that song.
I have seen 6 shows this tour. I am happy with how it all went down. If I had one wish it would be for the boys to go for the KO punch more. Loser, no big build up... IKYR in Chicago... no big "North Bound Train" blow out.... Cumberland is in my top 5 Dead songs but it is not a post drums take your head off type of song.
Recording 4.5 stars. Show 2.5. Thanks again.

I read another review that said they were at this show and it sucked balls. Well, I just listened to this nice crisp recording and it sounds good to me. Deep Elem' didn't have a lot of zest but overall it was nice... great touch with Me and My Uncle while in Denver.

good to hear the 483 source Chuck,
I'll work on getting mine up

First off, this recording is awesome. Really sounds like it sounded to actually be there.
Second, this is the first Dead related show I've seen since spring 1995. I saw 50 Dead shows between 1988-1995, and this was better than any show I attended after 12/28/91, the best show of the New Years 91/92 run. That's right better than any show I saw between 92-95, and I was at the legendary Chapel Hill shows in 93. I was skeptical that it would work without Jerry, but the music lives on.

Thank you, Mr. Miller for your stupendous efforts!

I was there too. Had good seats and attended (sober) with my 13yo son which was something I'd wanted to do since long before he was born so it was a great night for me.
I won't go into a critique of every song, BUT I do have to say that King Solomons Marbles was one of the hottest things I have EVER heard ANY band play. Of course I never heard the Grateful Dead play it, it was a few years before my time. But I remember when I first got my hands on that 1975 Great American Music Hall tape around 1985 and I played it till it broke. Hearing that was a real treat and made my night.
Wishing Bill a happy 63rd by way of Space was really cool too!
Two quick thoughts: I am really happy that I am still as tuned into it as ever, i.e. being able to tell what they are about to play based on one or two notes and the underlying themes (in this show, three songs with references to card games?) etc.
Lastly, and this is not just with the Dead but all concerts these days: Can't people just keep their friggin mouths shut for a couple hours? I mean just listen to the music for crying out loud! Case in point, even at a place as nutty as MSG is say, 1982, the crowd sat in rapt silence as the band played and the music would just pour through you unimpeded. Of course we would erupt at the slightest provocation but otherwise we LISTENED!
Not a bunch of chatter all the way through the show! We respected what was being given to us and showed it by just simply and humbly listening. I really miss that about the concert experience these days and in fact I skip some shows because of it.
But hey, as long as they keep rolling Phil Lesh out there, I'll still go.

The funny thing about all these reviews of this tour is there are the hardcore purists saying "this ain't the Dead blah blah" which is true and then there are the folks who are so devoted and excited that maybe their judgement might be slightly off (which I can understand as well)
The truth is both are right. It's not Grateful Dead, it's something different and yes, there is some history but who cares? And also, with any music that involves improvisation there is good and bad but why don't you just enjoy it for what it is? The core 4 are in their mid 60's!!?...that's pretty awesome that they can tour at all, we all owe 'em a big thanks!
As far as the chatter about Warren being "a fit or not" is a silly conversation....what a brave man for stepping into those shoes and what a great job he's doing...he said himself he is taking the role with total homage.
Enjoy it people, probably not gonna be too many more of these...smile, smile, smile

Wow...Just Wow

I attended this show and had pretty good seats just up behind thee soundboard and to the right.
The sound was terrific and the band caught fire early with Casey Jones. It had a quick moment of "x factor" that comes across with the audience cheer as the rave-up gets pretty fast. The recording only captures some of that magic. Those in attendance at the Pepsi Center certainly will remember what a strong energy wave washed over the crowd, reminding us all why we love Dead shows.
Set two was peculiar to say the least, but it worked and the performances were all top notch.
As a general comment I'll say this. My girlfriend was with me seeing her first show and later commented how the recordings we listen to don't come close to capturing the energy bubbles she felt when actually being there. It was heartwarming to hear her say "NOW I know why you love these shows!!! That was the best concert I've ever seen!!"
For those of us immersed in Dead shows for the last "N" number of years it may be easy to forget how good they can be when you aren't comparing them to the endless epic peaks nestled in your memory banks from a tape you heard three weeks ago.
Anyone judging this band by the recordings should remember that being there is insanely powerful at times. Listening to it later on an audience or SBD recording pales in comparison.

Charlie this sounds so damn good,im speechless!!
The sound it has makes you feel like you are thee.
WOW
Thanks,
Brian Martin

I really enjoyed the show: it might be the best Dead performance I've seen since the 70's or New Orleans in 1980. The cohesiveness with Warren and Jeff is awesome. Warren's vocals during Easy Wind and China Doll were very good. The Saint rocked with the refrain "I'm gonna go for it fo'sure" Cumberland was a bit different and longer, but I liked it. Congrats to the taper,Chuck Miller, for a job well done.

Get a grip dude I was not a big fan of the other one either, just to early i think ,but come on you missed the whole thing and still are.

Reviewer: ranncerney
Subject: I'm not someone who thinks the dead can do not wrong.
-
This is only my second time seeing Dead, first time was 2003 with Jimmy Herring, Jeff Chimenti, and Rob Barraco.-
-----------------------------
So 2 shows makes you an expert I take it.... Exactly what is "The Dead" in 09 supposed to sound like? Forgive me but the only thing I can compare it to is 03 - 04 and this band is surely equal to that lineup...
Unless you are another fool thinking you going to see the GD....
Great recording, decent show...
Thanks for the effort in recording it and uploading....

of course, you'd have to be a fan to love it! the sailor->saint is a "hit" in my book, and the boyz more than nail it: ridiculo . . .
my only beefs are quaint:
1, there's some sorta fire alarm feedback in deep elem; it goes out though.
2, i'll never get used to the chatter of an audience these days. cell phone conversations? no time to talk elsewhere? doesn't jeff tweedy have some sweet comments about this phenom? karaoke? i mean, come on guys, we have a one show chance, maybe a few if we're lucky, keep the convo to before and after. it creates a highway din of white noise blanketing the inbetween. (seriously, check out a lot of older audience tapes where there's only applause, cheers, whistles, whoops, and listening. even in the capitol theater!)
this whole tour has been amazing. this is another installment of something special. when listening to spaces quiet and warm and spooky familiar, all i can say is, "now pay attention."
for anyone not paying attention, sailor-> saint is the baseline double on a 3-2 slider with two out and two on in the top of the fourth.
p.s. chuck did an amazing job. thank you, man, sweet sounds.

Well now it's the west turn to have some fun and did they this night.
The first set is excellent witha killer Stranger and the Crazy Finger> Lost Sailor> Saint of Circumstance is awesome.Easily the best of the Sailor> Saints so far.
The accoustic set is very nice with the Whiskey in the Jar being the best. They do a sweet thing for Billy, I won't give it away and then a nice Ramble on Rose. The King's Solomon Marbles may be the best song of the night, they nail it and Warren is a beast on it.
He does a beautiful job on China Doll too. Cumberland in an odd slot and takes a bit to get going but they bring it all home with a killer NFA.
Another nice Ripple and then Bob has some kind words after that too.

And pay no attention to ranncerney, with his vast experience of attending, oh, two shows. This show was excellent - VERY tight, great energy, and a crowd that was loving it. True, not much 'connection' between the songs, but the songs themselves were consistently excellent. I would say that Casey, Loser, Easy Wind, Sailor->Saint, King Solomon's, China Doll, Cumberland, and NFA were as good in their own way as any Grateful Dead versions I've seen (on the bus since '77). Not "better" than Jerry, just different and VERY well-played - Warren was awesome! China Doll was chilling and beautiful. Listen and feel the love...

What are you people?? I'm talking music on the grand scale of concerts. This is 2009, have you seen what is happening out there?? This was a weak show, thats it.. I love the Dead, but a Ratdog show or Phil and Friends would have blow this performance out of the water. And if you don't think so listen again. Its was sloppy and weak. I know because I was there. And ever though "BigBeahner" thinks I've only gone to two shows my whole life, I've traveled the world seeing great shows. This show was lacking. Yes, Phil singing was awesome, king solomon was stellar, and the drum where epic to say the least(being a lover of drums/space)..... So don't sugar coat it , or try to make it something more than what it was. I know you love the boys and think they are perfect, but there just rockers rocking and they WILL have a bad show.. Oh my God.

Thank you Mr. Miller. You did a bang up job on this one.
Oh, The Dead were pretty much on, too. I love the 10Min Loser.

This is a really impressive recording. Saw the Philly shows. This is really good.

It has been my experience that having the mics as high as possible make quieter audience recordings.
You can test this out by listening to the different versions of this show... This one had mic's at 15' up & enough to keep crowd noise to a min... Awesome job Chuck!!!

Wow, what a great time we had at the show. I was standing at the front right corner of the soundboard (Section FFF, Row 6). I may have been right next to the mics that recorded this. The sound is excellent for an audience recording. Well done!

I did not go but think there are some really great stuff on this - easy wind was a great surprise and not oft played, lost>saint was great but the deep elem and whol second set sounds really great. This is much shorter at 160 minutes than MSG or Izod both 190+ but like Wilkes-Barre less is more (all of which I went to). You guys were lucky this is a great one, I gasped when they went into china doll and then warren crushed it.

Happy Birthday, Mr. K.! Thanks for all the years of aural enjoyment!
Great show here. Nice crisp recording, groovy setlist, well balanced and EQ'd. Thanks!
Happy Mothers Day tomorrow, all you Mothers.
And, is it just me or was there a ton of hissss in the vocal mics onstage at this show? I'm surprised Bob wasn't doing the sssnake thing.

Made it to this one....such a good time - parking lot was just right sounded great - i was pretty much blown away....Dude whats up with this recording??? Its dope!

didn't make it to this one, saw them on the 5th. thanks for putting it up though cuz once i saw the setlist i was jealous!!

I just checked the files and they decode properly. Try downloading them again. They may have gotten corrupted.

Sounds great man. Keep carrying that flag out west for Team Upstate, lol. So that you know, Chuck Miller and Charlie Miller are two different tapers. (wink)

Is this really an aud? Smoking recording...even more smoking show!

NOT JERRY TONE BUT THESE GUYS GAVE RISEN LIKE A PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES TO DELIVER FUN ROCKIN JAM OUT ASS SHAKIN SHOWS SINCE MSG FOLKS. I WENT TO 400 PLUS SHOWS AND LOVE GARCIA BUT I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS REBIRTH. GO HAVE FUN AND SEE EM. LISTEN FOR YOURSELF AND SEE IF IT DOESNT SOUND LIKE THESE GUYS ARE TOTALLY ON AND ENJOYING THE RIDE. SOUND OF RECORDING IS GREAT TOO ESPECIALLY FROM THE INSIDE OF AN ARENA LIKE THE PEPSI CENTER. SPREAD THE LUV AND THE TUNES. BURN EM FOR YOUR FRIENDS. LETS GET THIS TRAIN ROLLIN FOR FALL TOUR.

Sounds great Chuck, excelent pull! Long live Team AKG!

Havent listened to source, but was there...first set pretty good (Saint was really flubbed though), fantastic energy from crowd either way. Acoustic songs were perfect, then the rest of the second set super trippy with space/drums interludes throughout not listed on any list, songs all well played Beutiful ripple. Great lot scene. Sound was good in front of board, better closer to stage. And I dont think this is Charlie Miller's recording, but not sure...

It was awesome last night and is awesome again right now thanks Mr Miller and Thank You Grateful Dead!!! Red Rocks Please

still... excellent recording... great work Mr. Miller, whoever you are...

all I can say is: can music get much sweeter than this...........

A incredible show and a great recording. First Dead Show. Still miss Jerry.